Some $6,500 is being given to the project to restore former Iowa Gov. Samuel Merrill's mausoleum in Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines.

He was governor from 1868-1872. He died in 1899.

"As a student of history, these are exactly the types of historical projects that I envisioned promoting through the Iowa History Fund," said Branstad in a news release. "I'm pleased that we are able to make this contribution today to restore the legacy and respect of Samuel Merrill, a former Iowa Governor and civil war veteran."